On ABC’s The View Monday, Whoopi Goldberg accused President Donald Trump of escalating unrest into a potential “civil war” by deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles. The deployment follows nationwide protests triggered by immigration enforcement operations in California.
Goldberg criticized the use of military forces in civilian areas, questioning the administration’s disregard for state authority. “Whatever happened to states’ rights?” she asked. She argued that deploying tactical units into public spaces creates fear, not security, and described the action as a provocation rather than a solution.
Co-host Sunny Hostin supported Goldberg’s view, claiming that President Trump was “militarizing” protest response. She warned the use of military personnel for domestic policing undermines Americans’ constitutional rights, particularly the freedoms of speech and assembly. Hostin described the deployment as a step toward authoritarianism, saying, “An army turned inside to police its citizens can cause chaos and fascism.”
When Goldberg interjected with “Civil war,” Hostin agreed, asserting the use of military forces on protesters was not consistent with the principle of last resort. She argued that President Trump’s actions reflect a willingness to suppress opposition anywhere protests occur.
The show’s commentary reflects rising tensions as federal and local governments clash over immigration enforcement and protest management. The use of the National Guard in domestic affairs continues to draw criticism from opponents who see it as government overreach.
